Three Haute Mamas

Let the road be your runway

We are all guilty of starting out the new year with the best of intentions aren't we?  

~I'll work out everyday, twice a day.

~Spin class immediately following work, five days a week!

~Yoga every  morning with the sun!

~I'll run around the block once I finish up this cookie! 

Alas, intentions are always better than our follow through.  Perhaps a lovely outfit or three would prompt you out of bed in the morning? I won't lie.  I savor my morning workouts, and adore dressing for them just as much as I do in my "real life".  Although a splurge, lululemon is haute and like my girlfriend says "Makes your a$$ look like an 18 year olds".  Argue with that one.  

let the road be your runway by threehautemamas featuring jackets

 

 

On the thirteenth day of Holiday Mr. Ups gave to me........

Hello Mamas,

I recently saw a commercial on TV and the only reason it caught my eye is because I heard my three boys giggling and commenting on the entire commercial being shot of women's Gluteus Maximus! OY!

It was a Reebok commercial for their new line of workout apparel called Easy Tone.  The Easy Tone Performance Collection has built in resistance bands to help increase muscle activation! HUH!!! You don't say!!! 

 

Easy Tone Long Bra Top $55. This top can be worn to workout or under everyday clothing. Hmmmm.... it also says it it is designed to strengthen and tone upper body muscles and help improve posture. I remember this tip I heard on Oprah once that if you stand up straight it creates the illusion you are 5 lbs lighter!  Oh I know them all!!!! LOL!!!

 

Easy Tone Pant $80.  Again designed to help create resistance and give you an amazing Gluteus Maximus Reebok will cast you in their next commercial! Kidding, but what Mama wouldn't mind a little help and thanks to Reebok and modern engineering we got a shot!!! 

 

XO  Kimberly

Forever 21. Forever 31. Forever a steal.

My favorite.. Forever thirty ten, what my newly 40 year old (or 30-10 year old) girlfriend calls it.  

Whatever you call it, Forever 21 is like holding up the bank, it's that inexpensive.   I ran in this weekend, three little girls in tow, and in the 4.2 minutes they allotted me, I obsessed over the vests and jackets.  I managed to score a black riding jacket with satin trim that I will wear with jeans, over dresses, skirts and leggings until the darn thing falls apart.  Should the princesses have gifted me with more time, I surely would have walked out of there with....

this couture sleeve jacket.  TDF.  To. Die. For.  You can wear a boring pair of jeans + a tank, slip into this and BAM, million dollar baby. 

The perfect cuffed and tailored jacket.  No brainer. 

Make a statement with the embroidered chiffon vest

Kim and I disagree over the faux fur vest.  I..love it.  Kim..not thrilled.  You? Not sure you want to make the investment? Well here's a safe purchase, 32.80, and it can be worn over everything.  Why not..replace the fleece vest? Justathought. 

don't be shy.  It's not a store full of teenagers, and the sizes run pretty true to size.  And don't feel like you have to go head to toe forever 21 either-you wouldn't wear head to toe chanel, and you shouldn't be wearing head to toe forever 41 either! 

Introducing the Bra Whisperer!!

Hello Mamas,

About two weeks ago Kate and I were invited to an Open House at a store in Dartmouth Massachusetts called Fabulous Foundations By Nancy. When we arrived we were very impressed with the store's decor. It had beautiful built in cabinetry (Custom built by Nancy's Husband! Awwww!!)  that housed bra's galore, matching undies and even some swimwear. In the center of the store was a beautiful chandelier, lots of comfortable places to sit and ample fitting rooms. 

We introduced ourselves to Nancy and immediately sensed she had found her passion in life. Nancy had a 13 year old niece who was very large busted with no option. After researching places she relized there was nothing in this area for women with this problem. She decided to open a store that sized bra's 28 up to an N cup.

The Bra Whisperer of the south coast was born! She had a women leave crying for joy one day because she had found in Nancy's store a 48 H Bra and matching panties!!! She discovered Beautiful Bra's from European Companies. Nancy explained to us that "European women are different than American women when it comes to undergarments." "Lingerie is very important to them, they believe in the fit. Unlike American women who will think nothing about spending $400 on a dress and then running through Walmart and grabbing a bra that doesn't fit right." 

Okay, by this point I couldn't wait to see what size I actually was and what it felt like to wear a Bra that fit right. So I took to the fitting rooms with one of Nancy's very knowledgeable sales associate. She measured me and brought me a few options. She showed me how to properly fill myself into a bra... lots of grabbing and pulling up!! hahaha!! But it works they were in the right place again!! Holla!!! When I had on my old Bra and I lifted my arms up I almost fell out of the bottom and when I sat down the underwire was hitting me almost around my waist! hahahaha!! Okay..... Are you ready......I went from a 36 C to a 34 E! HA! She explained that the band is 90% of the fit. 

Fabulous Foundations By Nancy carries Bra's by Le Mystere, Fantasie to name a few. She also carries Swimwear that fits teens and women with tiny backs and full busts as well as big backs and big busts. Bra's with air and gel, bridal bra's and nursing bra's. 

We really enjoyed our time with Nancy and her staff and so will you. We give her the Haute Mama seal of approval!!!

                                                                         Nancy's Motto......

                   The right bra puts you in the right place again!!  

 

Xo Kimberly, Kate and Christina

 

 

Contrary to popular belief... Boutique owners are a girls best friend!!!!

Hello Haute Mamas,

Kate, Christina and I would like to educate you on the benefits of visiting a Haute Boutique!!! We are lucky to have our very own here in Mattapoisett. It is called Contrary Boutique! You know the saying it's a small world.... well to tell you that I almost fell over one day when I walked into Contrary and met the owner Maryann Kondracki for the first time. When I couldn't get over how familiar she looked we figured it out! She was a substitute teacher at my high school back in the day and I remember all the boys drooling when she showed up to sub! LOL!!!

-Kate here-want to talk small? The first house I bought in town? Maryann's old house.  After we sold that guess where we moved? Right next door to her.  Great minds think alike??? Or stalker?  

Maryann had it then and she hasn't lost a beat! Stylish and loaded with carisma she has made her mark as south coasts very own Rachel Zoe!! With her beautiful and very Haute Boutique, Contrary!!

Which leads me to the benefits of visiting a boutique such as Contrary. We have heard a lot of mom's say, I just don't know what looks good on me or what the style is or I just don't have time to shop. If you pop into a boutique all those questions would be answered for you in a snap. Boutique owners are there because they have a passion for fashion, they work hard and they looovvveee their customers!!! They can sometimes be great therapists as well!! Thanks Maryann!! After you get to know them, they begin to know you like you have been friends forever. They know your body, what looks good on you, what your price range is, favorite color, birthday, anniversary, how to steer your husband or significant other in the right direction! Hint! Hint!! They become your very own Stylist! Who by the way are not just for the rich and famous you know! They are also for us everyday gals that want to look haute!! Don't be afraid of the boutiques prices they have price ranges for everyone and my purchases have lasted years because the quality is so good. The pieces are unique and I feel fabulous when I wear them!! 

We asked Maryann to give us some insight into the new fall trends and also what goes on behind the scenes when she is shopping for her clients. Here is what she wrote for our Haute Mama readers.......

One of the most enjoyable benefits of owning my own boutique would definitely be the several buying trips I get to make to New York City. While there I sponge up all of the fantastic fashion from the runway, in the showroom and on the street. I especially enjoy the metamorphosis that occurs when couture is introduced one season and translated into ready to wear the next.

    When Kimberly asked me to talk about the current trends this season I realized that by now, you Haute Mama's know the low-down. In a nut-shell?.....military (down in the trenches combat style),pop prints (thank you Prada), lace, fringe (replacing ruffles),big chunky knits,shoe booties, the sheath dress, a vintage washed color palette and the resurgence of leather.

    I love high fashion but the retailer/businesswoman in me has the daunting challenge of presenting it to my clients in a realistic marketable manner. I take their needs,combined with their budget and lifestyle and build my inventory from there.

   With that always in mind, here are my "must have" recommendations for this season:

1. Cargo anything! Go for it! The newest look is the skinny but any cargo will do this season.This style has always been cool. Buy both a jacket and pants. You will not be sorry.

2. Chunky knit sweaters- oversized , long and great with skinnies.

 
 
 

3. Shoe booties. In last year and even stronger this season. Invest and wear it with a dress.

4. Anything lacey.

 

5. Structured hand bag. Lady-like is back.

6. Scarf- Invest in a good one with the right weight and hand and wear it constantly.

 

7. Structured sheath dress. We have Victoria Beckham to thank for this one. Look for one with a strong architectural shoulder.

 

8. Platform pumps. 

9. A pair of flat riding boots, which you will wear for the next twenty years!

10. A leather jacket. Moto or military influences and slightly cropped for over those dresses or with your cargo's.

Add some or all to your wardrobe and the taxi drivers in N.Y.C. will think you are a native and everyone in your neighborhood will be copying you in no time.

 Thanks Maryann!! We had such a fun time-your fall collections are as haute as you are! mamas-If you're interested in anything you see here, but don't live in the area, Maryann will ship anywhere in the US for FREE!  Mention Three Haute Mamas, and you can also receive 10% off your purchase!  She is located conveniently just off the highway in Mattapoisett, and also on Facebook.  Visit often for the best selection, as she constantly updating and receiving new shipments. 

Italian grandmothers.... " Fashion's toughest critics!!"

Hello Everyone,

 Kimberly here and I couldn't resist the chance to blog about a funny story. I attended my cousins College graduation last weekend and from that I was to go to an event in Boston. The event was held at the Ocean Club in Marina Bay and I knew I would be surrounded by young beautiful girls as this was a Competition to find The Face Of The Ocean Club. Knowing I was going to see my BIG FAT ITALIAN FAMILY first!! I really had a hard time deciding what I was going to wear. I wanted to fit in at the Ocean Club but I didn't want to cause a stir with my family. I can hear it now... " Has she gone mad!... Does she think she is twenty again!... Blah Blah Blah!! My inner voice said wear this outfit to the party and that one to The Ocean Club. Then I thought this is ridiculous I know how to dress, I'm not trying to look twenty, I want to look stylish and beautiful!! So I went with one outfit that I would wear to both. It was a babydoll style summer dress and some wedge  sandals. Perfect I thought.......... 

Then I saw grandma!! Instantly the look!! I thought to myself.. Oh Dear! It didn't take her minutes before I got.......Kimberly!!! That dress is too short! A forty year old mother of four should not be wearing a dress like that!! Head shaking!!! UMMMMMmmmmm... first off I am many years from being forty!! and yes I am a mother of four!! So what!! Can't a mother of four push the envelope and embrace trends???!! 

 The answer is YES!!! The night was a lot of fun!! My friend Nicole who is also my fabulous hairdresser competed in the competition! I felt like I fit right in and I felt that I was stylish, age appropriate and in turn I felt confident..... I did get a lot of.... WOW!! I hope I look as good as you do when I have four kids!! hahaha!! and I was thinking.... I hate you cause you have rock solid abs!!!! 

Will we as women ever be satisfied?!! The next morning my grandmother called and apologized, she said that she loved me and she was sorry for being so opinionated. I told her that I loved her opinions and I will get her back by blogging the story to all of the world!! A few words in italian later.. she ended with she was proud of me!! I LOVE MY BIG FAT ITALIAN FAMILY!!!!!  The fashion critic in them and all!!! 

XO Kimberly

Shoulda Woulda Coulda...... a lesson for our new " Expectant" Haute Mamas

Hello Everyone,

Kate picked a great topic to start the week off. We have touched on a lot of body shapes in the past two weeks but we forget the body shape of the expectant mom. I remember the moment when you first find out you are pregnant you have this tingling feeling of Awe. Maybe it is that moment of self doubt and fear.... will I be a good Mom, will the baby be healthy. Slowly you begin to regain your composure and Holla!!!......... let the eating, shopping, name selection etc. begin!!! 65 lbs later............. with all three pregnancies and my middle one was twins. I weighed the day I gave birth what an NFL Linebacker weighs..... I am not lying!!!! I do remember lying in the hospital bed after Caroline was born and looking at my stomach saying look how flat it is! Then I stood up!!! AARRGGHHHHHHHHH!!! 

Kate, Christina and I would now like to grab you by the shoulders and very seriously look you in the eye and say.......... " The only thing we would change during our pregnancy would be to try and remember that in 9 months that healthy baby will leave your body and at that time you do NOT want to be so far gone from your weight, your piece of mind, your self, that a missing persons report will be filed by you...... With a Pre- Pregnancy shot of yourself!!! 

I thought the name of this photo was funny!! Only Maxim Magazine!!! LOL!!

Anyway, I read this book a few years ago written by a mother of 10 children Kathryn Sansone! YES 10!! No multiples!!! her book is called " Women first family always !" she writes "You are important as a women and an individual, not simply as a mother or a wife. During 19 years of marriage, with children, I've learned that if a women gives up an aspect of herself-either the women in her, the mother, or the wife- the other two facets will suffer." What I took from her book was it is okay to make time for you! It benefits everyone!! 

There are so many great fitness sites out there that you can get great tips on excercise while pregnant. That coca butter cream will not keep you from stretch marks I can guarantee it! I slathered that stuff on everyday! So much of it that it turned my maternity underwear (the kind that comes up over your belly! AH.. HA... YEP!! orange!! ) Moderate weight gain is the only thing that helps and good gene's! My biggest recommendation to you would be Pre-natal yoga and long walks!! It is so good for you, your baby and your well being! Also, if you are adopting a baby you need to be mentally prepared as well. Take time for YOU before your baby comes! 

We would also like to tell you.....Don't give up your personal style while your pregnant this can be very challenging because of your shape and who wants to spend a fortune on maternity wear!! A great tip... check out your local high end thrift stores there maybe some great finds.  Also, celebrity mom's are saving the day for us by launching there own maternity lines and products!! Here is one of my favorite celebrity moms Heidi Klum. YES! favorite even after she walked down the Victoria Secret runway in a thong two months after giving birth to her second child!!!! For the love of God!!!! LOL!!!

 Heidi Klum's line's Loved and Lavish can be found at a Pea in the Pod    and Motherhood Maternity. Actress and Mom Mariska Hargitay sums it up perfectly.... " I'm a women, I'm a goddess, I've earned this body. My body is a badge of honor." Ooooo Love that!!! Also, my neighbor once told me... " don't worry about giving birth.... it is what our bodies are meant to do!" She was so right! Piece of Cake!!! LOL!!

Congratulations to all you expectant moms!! Motherhood is "Haute !!" 

XO Kimberly

Oh My Gosh!!! Did you lose weight?

Hello Everyone,

I was twittering... hmmmmm....is that the right terminology? a few minutes ago and I came across a tweet from Instyle magazine. They asked Kim Kardashian to give tips on how to dress a curvy body.   This is what she had to say........ and I the "conventional" curvy Kim  added my thoughts as well. 

Find a Great Tailor

"Anything you wear should be proportioned to your body, and a good tailor will make sure everything fits perfectly. I either have my tailor at every fitting or I have my stylist pin my wardrobe and take it to the tailor before I wear anything. Shortening a hem line on a dress can make a huge difference!" I agree Kim Kardashian but real life mom's don't have stylists however you can enlist the services of great sales people at boutiques and retail stores. They can help you find clothes that will fit your body closely enough that it can give you that tailored look. They may also know of an affordable tailor in your area or on site if you truly need one. So don't be afraid to ask them for help! It will be their pleasure I guarantee it!

Accentuate Your Waist

"Show off that tiny waist! Adding a belt makes your outfit look more polished. I have great belts from Phillip Lim and Alaia. Vintage belts are one of a kind and can be affordable too." and you have a 20" waist Kim!! Ask Christina! I have a phobia about showing my waistline!! but when she does get me to try a belt wrapped around my waist it really does look great. Something you may want to try... you may love the way it makes you look! I'll try to embrace that look this fall! Pinkie swear!! 

Avoid Oversize Tops and Dresses

"I know they are comfortable and they look amazing on Nicole Richie but flowy tops and dresses are not flattering on a curvy figure. They can make you look pregnant and they look sloppy in photos. Try wearing a maxidress instead. A.L.C, Torn by Ronny Kobo and T Bags make some great ones."  Agreed!! I wore a tight black dress to a charity event last February and when I took of my wrap I remember Kate saying.." You look so skinny have you lost weight?"  I get that a lot when I wear fitted clothing! She is right.. it works for curvy girls! 

Embrace Shapewear

"Every woman from a size 0-14 should own Spanx! I love Shapewear by Body Wrap; they have a firm control long leg panty that makes my body look smoother and slimmer under fitted dresses without leaving any lines."  YES!!! I went to a wine tasting last winter and I wanted so badly to wear my cream sweater dress!! I was kicking myself when I realized I didn't have any spanx! My panty lines looked horrid!! I now own two pair... that will never happen again! If you find yourself at a mall just buy some and put them away for when you need them! You will be so happy you did!

Love Your Curves!

"Being confident and owning your body is sexy. I love to show off my curves and designers like Thatcher, Antonio Berardi, Preen, Altuzarra, Markus Lupfer and Brian Litchtenberg make amazing dresses that fit my body perfectly."

As we can see they do! I must admit I have no idea who any of those designers are but when I do make it big someday they will certainly be on my list! Til then... I will take the advice from this modern day siren!!!!  Make a few of these great adjustments to your wardrobe and Love! Love! Love! your curves!!! 

XO Kimberly

Sporty gals know that bouncing is for balls

Once upon a time I was what you'd call voluptous.  Now..smoke and mirrors.  Back then it was crucial that I wore a sports bra tailored to running and big ones.  Enter Title 9 Sports (cue the music).  This company knows their sports bras! Whether you're an A or a double D, they've got what you need and from now until Sunday, $5 shipping on all orders. And they're not just bras..shoes, clothes, accessories, they've got it all.  GREAT catalogue too-real people models with inspiring bios.  Bras are rated by barbell-1 for less support, 5 for call in the troops.  

 

The Boulder holder. (hehehe)-The WOW bra (as in wow, I just ran that far!)-the last resort bra (when the going gets tough..time to call in..the last resort! Admittedly for high impact sports only. This needs no explanation)

Gypsy tunic-Super Skirt (3-in-1)

and while you're there...

make sure you're best pal is moi please! 

My cup runneth over!!!!

Hello Haute Mamas,

Okay after looking at that picture of Marissa Miller (God was in a type A kinda mood when he was creating her) PERFECTION!!! 

What I love most about that supermodel is she is just as beautiful on the inside!! Ladies don't be a hater!! I want to let you in on what I discovered this year by my childhood BFF and thanks to Face Book now one of my current BFF's and shopping partner! She showed me what it means to be a "Bombshell" a Victoria Secret Bombshell!! I have always been busty and hated the fact that when I did go to Victoria Secret I was the last size available in the store. They don't even display my size, you have to go to the drawers to pull one out! UGH!!! I felt so much better going to a Lady Grace ( YA I said it!!) and being close to the smallest size there!! hahahaha!! I bought YEP!..... The minimizer bra!! GASP!! 

 What we hope to instill is confidence in you all to not think like that anymore, to accentuate your assets and if you have to bend down and pull from the depths of the draws... so be it!!!! All in the name of style and being a women!! 

My girlfriend introduced me to the Miraculous Bra by VS! This bra adds two cup sizes... certainly something I don't need but for the heck of it I bought one. This bra shapes you and holds you in!! I love it!! My girlfriends that are A cups ran out and bought one, two, three...every darn color it came in!! It is cheaper than breast augmentation and gives you the same result fully clothed of course! We are lovin our new curves!! 

Another great bra by VS is the Muti-way Plunge. This can be worn as a strapless or you can add the straps and adjust them anyway you need to!! I wear this everyday as a strapless and I am a D cup!! Usually unheard of a women this size lovin a strapless but it holds me up and in and I am hooked!!!! 

Now I was certain that Victoria Secret had thought of everything when it came to undergarments..... take a look at this...

YES It is.... The Wine Rack $30 It is a sports bra that contains a bladder, which is intended to be filled with wine and imbibed through a tube! AH HA!!!! YEP! The more wine you fill it with the bigger your boobs get!! Got to love Free Enterprise!!! 

I can see it now.... Victoria Secret Angels have been replaced with " The Wino's" instead of wings we will have........ Wine Barrels?

All in good fun!! XO Kimberly